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July 2024 by Rocky Snow
Loved learning the culture in depth. Amazing exhibits and diversity. The pin collection they have is definitely an incredible collection!
Visit if you love the leather community!
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June 2024 by Stephen Martindale
My friends and I visited during IML and had an excellent time. There are two levels in the museum, including a small theater and library. There was some fabulous art, including originals by Etienne which used to be in the Gold Coast Bar. I saw excellent representation and inclusion on display. There was also some beautiful leathers, and I loved learning about the folx who wore and loved them.
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June 2024 by Nick
A lovely visit to celebrate the anniversary of my collar and immerse into history. Seeing familiar faces on the wall brought great emotions. ?? ?? for opening with Latinx and African experiences across genders. I could have spent the entire day but only had a few hours. I'll be back!
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March 2024 by Vick Perez-Segovia
Such a fantastic space. They provide a space to learn incredibly important aspects of revolutionary modern/contemporary LGBTQIA+ history and events.
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March 2024 by Dunn Success Fully
I co-executive produced the national title of Leatherman of Color (LOC), which was awarded this weekend in keeping with Mufasa's Leather Fellowship Weekend tradition. Our mission of promoting people of color in the leather community with positive images remains strong, and we are also proud to continue our educational programs and outreach. We held the Kink University and The POC Journey Panel Discussion as well as The LOC 2024 contest.
Thank you, Gary Wasdin
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November 2023 by Ceraun Loggins
This place is a testament to the power of the leather community. It’s not just whips and jackets it’s community care and love that holds this crew together. As you go through the archives you will see intimate histories of the people who built homes for themselves and others. There are binders of patches and stickers from across the country. Amazing art that celebrates the community as well as Tons of informative work. This place also contains a very good library of lgbtq texts that is a must for anyone interested in lgbtq history or literature. They have fiction, non fiction, pulp, photography works you name it they got it!
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August 2023 by Shawn Pace
What a rare gem of a place. My husband and I went to their rummage sale and the hospitality was amazing. As soon as we entered we were greeted by two helpful employees of the museum. They showed us where to go. We went to the auditorium and the walls were lined with art work by Etienne. I can’t wait to do some research there and become a member.
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July 2023 by Diana C.
This was a very unique and interesting museum. It had a really diverse collection of leather items, predominantly connected to leather daddies and other kink communities. There was an interesting exhibit on the pup community, the role of women and sex workers in leather culture, classic leather vests, and more. The library was also very impressive. It was a really cool place! They do have lockers they require you to store large bags in and they have a small gift shop too. Normally I believe there's a cost but when we went, it was free that day! Friendly staff and not too many people on a Thursday. I've seen most of the museums in Chicago but this was new and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone interested in leather community history or looking for a unique museum off the beaten path. Many cute places nearby after if you're wanting to shop or eat after too.
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May 2023 by Nicholas Badtke
It was such a treat getting to visit the museum. Gary was a sweetheart who explained the layout and a bit of the history regarding the space. For anyone in the queer kink scene, and queer in general for that matter, it's a very good stop to learn about the history and importance of kink within the community. The library of queer and kink literature was my favorite part! Gonna come by again on my next trip to Chicago!
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March 2023 by R.J. Quirk
This is such an important museum, preserving the histories of often invisible groups. As a trans person, it was particularly healing to have the trans experience validated and recognized throughout the museum. Plus it's free on Wednesdays!Would absolutely visit again. If you so plan on visiting, be prepared that is is a community initiative, not a professionally curated museum. On that note, it would be amazing to see the museum improved with some volunteer curation work.
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March 2023 by Nat Werth
Great customer service! I love choosing from their selection of sexy post cards to send to my vanilla friends. I also recommend checking out the library in the back for an excellent literature catalogue and some kinky coloring pages!
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January 2023 by Chad W.
I've been wanting to go here for years. An entire museum of the history of gay sex, queer life, and fetish. As leather bars around the country disappear I'm glad to see there is someone working to preserve such a unique facet of our lives. Gary runs a great space, fun and educational
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January 2023 by Amanda Rose
Free on Thursdays. Their library is cozy and feels safe. They have lockers to put your coat and bags with keys! Everyone who is interested in queer history will be delighted and educated. I think it does a pretty good job of dispelling the stereotypes that there are only men in the leather community. There are some awesome women who are dominating as well! (Pun intended) My only wish is for the museum to grow bigger!
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October 2022 by Shadi Beidas
Amazingly curated, with a significant part of the collection curated by Leslie Anderson, a skilled personal in museum collection restoration/curation at both here and The Field Museum, and a bootblacking legend.
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July 2022 by Clinton Isham
Love this place! Got a nice shirt from the gift shop that is getting a lot of stares in public
